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Hi everyone. I need some advise. I am located in Columbus, OH and am looking to get into the insurance business. I have a strong financial and sales background as well as capital to invest. I have been offered by Allstate and Nationwide to start an agency from scratch. Also, I have some independent agency startup opportunities available as well. I also have a niche market which I would target. (I think)

However, what I am looking for is to find an agent that is looking to either slow down or retire over the next five years and set up and agency transition plan with him or her. Have that agent be a mentor to me and teach me the ropes. My thinking is I would come on as a producer on a one year trial period. If things work out after a year, I would put a down payment on the book of business and set up a buy-in period over the next 3-4years. This way the senior agent can slow down over the transition period and I can have eventual ownership, creating a win-win situation. The senior agent would also have an option to stay on with agency after the transition if they want. What is the best way for me to search for agents that would be interested in something like this, other than just going through the phone book? I know this kind of a transition is common in the medical field, does it exist in the insurance world and would an agent be interested is something like this? Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

That is the way my boss did it here in Wisconsin. I would check with the independent agency association in your state. Many of them post opportunities on their web site. Good Luck

I've checked w/the Ohio PIA and the Ohio Big "I". There aren't any postings there. Does anyone know any other places I can search?

With the way most company people get treated (sooner or later) - you would do yourself a favor by going the independent way. Hook up with PIA and get some good companies ( look at their agents rating piece that just came out). Do not put your efforts in the hands of the "Bean Counters". I have been in the IA side for 30 years and the tales I can tell about what companies do to their captives and of our own companies also. No matter which way you go it's a great business.